ABPG to launch society magazine. (Media).

Arkansas Business Publishing Group, which publishes Arkansas Business, Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and Little Rock Family, will launch in March its newest publication, a biweekly society magazine called Soiree.

Becki Moore, now deputy director of marketing for the Arkansas Arts Center, has been named editor of the new publication, said Olivia Myers Farrell, chairman and CEO of the company.

Soiree will cover social, cultural and philanthropic events in the Little Rock area. The free, tabloid-size, color magazine should have a readership of about 45,000.

Farrell said Soiree will boast more photos than the Arkansas DemocratGazette's Sunday "High Profile" section and will have more focus on philanthropy than other publications, such as still-in-production competitor Inviting Arkansas.

Scheduled to be on the cover for the first issue are Acxiom Corp. of Little Rock company leader Charles Morgan and his wife, Susie, who are co-chairs of the 2002 Heart Ball, one of the biggest philanthropic events in the state.

Moore herself has a background in philanthropy, having spent six.years at the nonprofit arts center and three at the nonprofit Arkansas Repertory Theater as marketing director.

Moore also has 13 years experience in the newspaper business, working as the society editor and then lifestyles editor for Russellville's Daily Courier; as a daily columnist for the Arkansas Democrat; and as publisher for Active Age, the predecessor to Active Years.

Farrell said Soiree "will be written for affluent Little Rock residents interested in philanthropic, cultural and social activities and who also follow trends in fashion, food, cars and homes."

Farrell also said the magazine will include a comprehensive social calendar, profiles of area residents, coverage of local events and articles that enhance readers' lifestyles.